16) Thanksgiving

The month of November.  A time of thankfulness and joy.  In many ways, April felt so blessed and grateful for everything the Lord had mercifully bestowed upon her.  And, yet, there was this nagging at her heart-- a strange little tug.  Her thoughts seemed to be pushing at each other, rolling back and forth.  She was constantly haunted by the night of Lillian's departure.  She could still see the tears mingling in the eyes of the children, and the Doc's stern, sullen face at the funeral.  There was something about that indelible scene that brought a bitter sting, telling her it was all unfair.  Lillian, their beloved mother, who had tried to be everything to her three children, had been unable to be that very thing they needed most-- a mother.  She had left them alone in this world, and she had been so awfully young, too.

I could be no less than certain that she's rejoicing in heaven with Jesus at this moment-- but what about the children? her heart seemed to ponder.  Are they rejoicing with her?  They must feel awfully confused inside-- abandoned.  I wouldn't blame them if they did.  I often feel the same.  Though I don't believe they dislike it here-- they certainly do seem to be opening up more in their surroundings.  But why God?  She gazed upward where the sunshine was just bursting forth from a cloud that had held it captive.  Why did you leave them here to me?  I'm not sure how to help them; how to guide them through this.  What if I make a mistake?  Help me, Lord.  Give me faith and patience to wait upon You for answers and guidance.

Though she still felt rather confused with God's will, she went about with the usual Thanksgiving preparations, passing friendly invitations to Jenny and her husband, as well as Mr. Carter.

~*~

"Yay, yay!" Jonathan shouted, clapping his hands with glee.  "I'm gonna go help shoot a turkey," he told April with the utmost of seriousness and pride.

April couldn't help the amused smile that played about her face.  "Oh, are you, now?"  She took a pause in drying the antique tea setting.  "You best hurry, then, and go get bundled up."

He nodded quickly and scampered off.  Drew had soon appeared, a look of overruled defeat and also that of childish mischief written across his face.

April laughed.  "Sometimes I think you are just as a little child as that boy," she teased him, crossing her arms.  "Well?  I need that turkey to roast for tomorrow-- you best be off.  Oh, but Drew!" she put in quickly as he was waving a friendly farewell.  "Watch Jonathan.  He's such a mischief seeker.  Who knows what--"

He chuckled.  "Don't worry-- I'll keep a close eye on him."

And April nodded, smiling as she watched out her kitchen window as the two of them tramped up the hills, Jonathan squaring his shoulders and attempting to walk with the quick, firm strides of the older man beside him.

April shook her head and turned back to her tea setting, feeling a little twitter of happiness rise up within her at the thought of her beautiful new family.

~*~

"Happy Thanksgiving," beamed Jenny as April opened the door to her friend's knock.  James was standing beside her, Andrew cradled, somewhat clumsily, in his arms, and little Mary bundled closely beside Jenny, eyes tightly closed and thumb held secure in her mouth.  Mr. Carter simply stood there, thoroughly captured with his new grandchildren.

April dried her hands on her apron.  "Well, don't just stand there in the cold!  Come in, come in!" she greeted warmly.

Eagerly, they stepped inside and were immediately greeted by Ella, Jon, and Kate with Scamp scurrying at their heels.

"Why, what do we have here!" exclaimed Mr. Carter, his large, calloused hands good-naturedly patting the tops of their unruly hair.  "You, indians, have all grown an inch taller than the last I've seen ya."  

Ella blushed and smiled and Jon stood on his tiptoes, sticking out his chest like a proud turkey.  April's hand stifled her chuckle.  And Kate, after hesitantly looking up with big, beautiful eyes, motioned her finger at him to come close.  He kneeled down next to the small child and Kate bravely entwined her arms around his neck, whispering loud enough for the others to hear-- "Stay, Gran'pa Cartah!" was her soft, pleading tone.  "Stay 'is long!"  And she stretched her arms out as wide as they could stretch.  April felt the tears well up in her eyes.

His hand rested gently on Kate's blond curls.  "I'm staying, Curly."

And Kate's smile widened and her blue eyes sparkled.  "Yay!  I'm so happ-ay!"

She turned to April, then, and was unprepared for the words she said, with entire seriousness, "T'ank you for givin' me a Gran'pa."

Everyone smiled.

Author's Note

Sorry for the long wait on this chapter!

I hope you enjoyed it!

Please review:)

Reviews

[Missy Moooooo]

She's a little cutie

[~Lizzy♬]

Oh I love this book so much! :) The progression of your writing is so fabulous to see! I loved each word I read in this chapter. As Karli said, "It was beautifully written!" :)

~Lizzy~

[Karli]

This was an adorable chapter! And it was well worth the wait, because it was written beautifully. Keep writing!